Thunderbolt TDR-10SE

         Of all the redesigns, the Thunderbolt was given special attention. The T-Bolt, as it has been affectingly called, served in all the armies of the Inner Sphere at one time or another, making it one of the most versatile BattleMechs ever produced. When Earthwerks had the chance to redesign the ‘Mech, they did not stray far from the original’s specifications.
         The problem Earthwerks encountered came from the LCCC, thanks to Irian BattleMechs Unlimited-they had been pushing their TMP-3M Tempest as a replacement for the Thunderbolt for some time. Irian pressed the LCCC to stop Earthwerks from proceeding with their project. Lawsuits were being drafted to put an injunction on Earthwerks when Precentor Blaine stepped in and negotiated a settlement. A compromise was reached settling the dispute of which both sides approved. The prospective companies would have their ‘Mechs battle in a test trial. The winner would get a lucrative contract with the Word of Blake. The Word of Blake received the first shipment of TDR-9Ms early in April of 3067, thanks to the efforts of Captain Mordel Blacknight in his stunning victory over Irian’s Tempest.

         The design engineers had learned that most pilots felt the Thunderbolt’s cockpit needed to be changed. They felt like they were sitting out in front of the machine instead on top. A more opened cockpit was designed and moved to the left torso. This change was to protect the pilot from shrapnel if a Gauss weapon exploded on the arm. The T-Bolt’s new body was designed with angled and sloped armor. Finally, the Thunderbolt was equipped with flight stabilizers when it jumped.

         The remaining Houses all jumped at the chance to have new Thunderbolts in their BattleMech regiments again. It is unclear, however, what designs will actually be produced. What is clear is that, like the Phoenix Hawk redesign, the 9M Thunderbolt is identical to that seen within the Marian legions.
         Based on the best intelligence available, there will be a variant armed with a Gauss rifle, some pulse lasers and an ECM suite. Another will be equipped with extended-range weapons, such as a PPC and some lasers, configured nearly like the original. There are also rumors of one being designed by the NAIS that is armed with a RAC 5, missiles, ER weapons and an advanced targeting computer. Whether any of these variants are under production or still in the planning stages is unknown at this time.

         The first Blake Militia unit to receive the new TDR-9M was the Tenth Division. Three Level IIs were shipped from Keystone to Tinogasta, Argentina on Terra where the Tenth was stationed. Ironically, the LCCC submitted a request to have two companies of Thunderbolts shipped to units in the Free World Legionnaires, despite what Irian’s lobbyists have to say.